Billie Sues Seminoles To Get His Job Back

He is suing the Seminole Tribe, the council members who voted to strip his powers, and the tribal attorney who drafted the resolution against him.

The council failed to follow the very tribal constitution cited in the resolution, the suit filed in Federal Court on Monday says.

"They didn't even call James to let him know they were having a meeting," said Robert Saunooke, Billie's attorney.

Four members of the council voted to suspend Billie, the fifth member, on May 24.

Tribal counsel Jim Shore has said the decision draws on the constitution, which prohibits tribal members from engaging in "gross neglect of duty or misconduct reflecting on the dignity and integrity of the Tribal Council." Shore and council members could not be reached for comment on Wednesday.

Billie is suspended pending the outcome of a tribal financial audit and a sexual harassment suit filed against Billie. Former tribal employee Christine O'Donnell claims Billie coerced her into maintaining a sexual relationship, forced her to have an abortion, and then fired her.

Shore has said that the suspension is not related to other controversies, including an FBI investigation into the tribe. The council fired Billie ally and top administrator Tim Cox and other employees after Cox's private business dealings in Nicaragua aroused anger in the tribe.

Saunooke was fired from a position in Billie's office after the St. Petersburg Times quoted him as insulting Shore for being blind. Saunooke denies he made the comment.

Amended to Billie's suit is what appears to be the section of the constitution cited by Shore. It also says that before a council member is removed, he must be given a written statement of all charges against him, 10 days' notice, and a chance to respond.

Saunooke also asked the court to block the council's move to suspend Billie, claiming it only has the authority to remove, not suspend him.

Despite his recent troubles Billie, whose wife gave birth to their third son this week, is doing "great," Saunooke said.

Staff Writer Terri Somers contributed to this report.

Tanya Weinberg can be reached at tweinberg@sun-sentinel.com or 954-385-7923.